2000 Bmw 540i problems
The BMW E39 is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series range of executive cars, which was manufactured from 1995 to 2004. It was launched in the sedan body style, with the station wagon body style (marketed as "Touring") introduced in 1996. The E39 was replaced by the E60 5 Series in 2003, however E39 Touring models remained in production until May 2004.
The proportion of chassis components using aluminium significantly increased for the E39, and it was the first 5 Series to use aluminium for all major components in the front suspension or any in the rear. It was also the first 5 Series where a four-cylinder diesel engine was available. Rack and pinion steering was used for four- and six-cylinder models, the first time that a 5 Series has used this steering system in significant volumes. Unlike its E34 predecessor and E60 successor, the E39 was not available with all-wheel drive.
The high performance E39 M5 sedan was introduced in 1998, powered by a 4.9 L (302 cu in) DOHC V8 engine. It was the first M5 model to be powered by a V8 engine.
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Common 2000 Bmw 540i problems
The BMW 540i E39, produced in the year 2000, is a popular model among BMW enthusiasts. However, as with any vehicle, it can experience certain common issues, especially as the car ages and accrues mileage. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems with the 2000 BMW 540i E39, based on the experiences of owners.
- Water Pump and Thermostat Failure: The water pump and thermostat (T-stat) are critical components of the vehicle's cooling system. Over time, they can wear out and fail, leading to overheating issues and potential engine damage. Regular maintenance and replacement of these parts can help prevent this problem.
- Expansion Tank and Radiator Hoses: The expansion tank and radiator hoses are also part of the cooling system. As the car ages, these components can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks and potential engine overheating. Regular inspection and replacement of these parts can help prevent this issue.
- Door Rattles and Vapor Barrier Repair: The doors of the 2000 BMW 540i E39 can develop rattles as the car ages, often caused by screws backing out on window guides. Additionally, the rear door vapor barrier can fail, leading to water intrusion and potential damage to the car's interior. Regular inspection and repair of these components can help prevent these issues.
- Suspension Components: The control arm bushings, tie rod ends, rear ball joints, and rear sway bar link can all wear out over time, leading to handling issues and potential tire damage. Regular inspection and replacement of these parts can help prevent these issues.
- Valve Cover Gaskets: The valve cover gaskets on the 2000 BMW 540i E39 are known to leak as the car ages, often due to drying and cracking. This can lead to oil leaks and potential engine damage. Regular inspection and replacement of these parts can help prevent this issue .
- Tire Wear: The 2000 BMW 540i E39 can experience uneven tire wear, particularly on the inside of the rear tires. This can be caused by the car's factory alignment settings, which prioritize handling at high speeds. Regular alignment checks and adjustments can help prevent this issue .
- Engine and Transmission Issues: As with any high-mileage vehicle, the engine and transmission of the 2000 BMW 540i E39 can experience wear and tear, leading to potential issues such as misfires, leaks, and performance problems. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues and extend the life of the car.
In summary, the 2000 BMW 540i E39 can experience a range of common issues as the car ages and accrues mileage. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these problems and extend the life of the vehicle. It is important for owners to be aware of these potential issues and to address them promptly to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the car.
How reliable are E39 540i?
The E39 is relatively reliable, too, with the exception of a very few known maintenance issues (e.g., I had three replacement radiators over 10 years with my last 540).
What motor is in the 2000 BMW 540i?
4.4 L V82000 BMW 540i / Engine
The 540i has a 4.4-liter V-8 with 282 horsepower and comes with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.
What is the top speed of the BMW 540i 2000?
Performance
| 0 - 40 kph | 2.5 s |
|---|---|
| Est. 1/2 mile | 23.8 s @ 123.0 mph |
| Top speed | 251 kph (156 mph) |
| Est. max acceleration | 0.46 g (4 m/s²) |
| 18m slalom | 60.9 kph (37.8 mph) |
Is the BMW 540i fast?
In fact, the 2021 model is as quick as the 2017 model we last tested. The 4.7-second time to 60 is still plenty quick, however, and the 540i breezed through the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 106 mph.
What is the top speed of the BMW 540i 2000?
Performance
| 0 - 40 kph | 2.5 s |
|---|---|
| Est. 1/2 mile | 23.8 s @ 123.0 mph |
| Top speed | 251 kph (156 mph) |
| Est. max acceleration | 0.46 g (4 m/s²) |
| 18m slalom | 60.9 kph (37.8 mph) |
What engine came in the 540i?
3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower engine
The 2022 BMW 540i horsepower of 335 is one of the best produced by a modern sedan, thanks to a combo of a 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower engine mated to an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and a 48V hybrid technology. It's enough power to whip up 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Why won't my BMW 540i start?
The most common reasons a BMW 540i won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
What is the economy of the BMW E39 540i?
I do mostly highway driving running normally around 75-80 and get there in a hurry ( let's face it, it's fun) and I'm getting around 25.5-26 going to and from work every day. In the city I can average somewhere right around 20 maybe 21. The 6 speed definitely helps.
2000 Bmw 540i car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 540i problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2000 Bmw 540i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2000 Bmw 540i
The NHTSA has received 31 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2000 Bmw 540i. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2000 Bmw 540i vehicles.
2024-10-05
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-27
- VIN: WBADN5342YG
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The audio suddenly stops and my turn signals also stop working. When this happens when I'm in traffic, this is very frightening because I cannot signal lane changes or turns. Turning off the ignition and restarting the car always fixes the turn signals but only sometimes fixes the audio. It usually takes several restarts before the audio works. When in the failed condition with no audio and no turn signals and the engine running, disconnecting the Dynavin D9 "ibus box" from the vehicle instantly fixes the turn signals but not the audio. It has not been reproduced or confirmed nor has it been inspected. There is never any warning before the problem appears. I have been in continuous contact with the manufacturer in California. They sent a new ibus box, hoping that would fix the problem but it did not.
2023-08-20
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-22
- VIN: WBADN6344YG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Car had sat for about a week since I had driven it. I opened the driver door, inserted the key, and turned the key to the starting position. It failed to crank after the dash lights lit up and then the driver steering wheel airbag deployed in my face. The car was on flat ground and the temperature was not extremely hot or extremely cold. The previous several times I had driven the car there was no indication of an SRS light and the car started perfectly every time.
2023-07-06
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-06
- VIN: WBADN6349YG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I needed to move the car after it was sitting for about 3 weeks. It would not start due to the battery was run down. As soon as I started charging the battery, the front passenger airbag exploded causing extensive damage to the dashboard and windshield. Thank god my wife was not sitting in the car. I have not contacted anyone about this. It happened a few hours ago. It is about 93 degrees with very high humidity. I am sending this report because someone could have been killed.
2014-03-14
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-11
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 540I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AS METAL SHARDS STARTED TO FALL FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE COOLANT WARNING LAMPS WERE ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE CLUTCH FAN HAD BECOME SEPARATED AND COOLANT WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH FAN WAS FRACTURED AND CUTTING THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
2013-11-14
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-22
- Fire: 1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 540I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED, CAUSING THEM TO OVERHEAT AND MELT THE CASING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V048000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,021.
2013-06-12
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-10
- VIN: WBADN634XYG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 540I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A HYDRO-LOCK FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. *TR
2012-12-16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-11-15
- VIN: WBADN6346YG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS IN LOOM AT CONNECTION BETWEEN BODY AND TRUNK LID IS SHOWING CRACKED WIRES WHICH CAN LEAD TO A VARIETY OF SYMPTOMS WHEN WIRES SHORT. TRUNK WILL ONLY OPEN MANUALLY WITH KEY. KEY FOB REMOTE AND INSIDE VEHICLE TRUNK RELEASE DO NOT WORK. TRUNK CANNOT BE OPENED WHEN DOORS ARE UNLOCKED USING TRUNK HANDLE. OTHER SYMPTOMS INCLUDE MANY FALSE DASHBOARD WARNING INDICATORS RANGING FROM LOW COOLANT, TRUNK LID NOT CLOSED, ETC. WIRING SHORT COULD BE FIRE HAZARD. MANY EXAMPLE CASES CAN BE FOUND HERE HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=397245. *TR
2011-12-02
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-11-30
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: LUCKY I WAS STOPPED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. MY ENGINE MADE A TERRIBLE NOISE AND CUT OUT. I WENT TO RESTART MY ENGINE AND NOTICED THAT ALL MY INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE ON. I WENT TO DRIVE AND MY POWER STEERING WAS COMPLETELY SHOT. COME TO FIND OUT THAT MY POWER STEERING PUMP BROKE WITH NO REAL WARNING. IF I HAD BEEN AT A HIGH SPEED THIS COULD HAVE LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY. *TR
2011-10-27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-27
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: LIKE 80% OF OWNERS OF BMW 540I, 740I, 740IL, X5 OWNERS FROM YEARS 1999-2003 SUFFER FROM FACTORY DEFECT VARIABLE VALVE TIMING UNITS OR AS BMW CALLS IT VANOS. THE PARTS ON THE INSIDE CAUSE TERRIBLE DIESEL TYPE NOISES. I'VE TALKED TO MANY CERTIFIED MECHANICS WHO HAVE TOLD ME IF AFFECTS HOW THE ENGINE RUNS AND PERFORMS. *TT
2011-03-18
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBADN6347YG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 540I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEN ROAD DEBRIS CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED BUT THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE IMPACT FROM THE DEBRIS WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO WARRANT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
2011-02-19
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-14
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: BOUGHT A BMW WITH THE AIRBAG SIGN ON FROM A CAR DEALERSHIP. *TR
2010-11-18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-17
- VIN: WBADN6349YG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 540I. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH IN THE DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS A LOUD ROARING NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY, THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE RADIATOR FAN BLADES DETACHED, DENTED THE HOOD, WHICH CAUSED THE PAINT TO PEEL AND THEN FELL TO THE GROUND.. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TOWING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.
2010-10-26
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBADN6347YG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE: ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT WIRES OVERHEATED AND CAUSED WIRES AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS TO BURN. SMOKE ENTERED THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN DEGRADED. *TR
2010-03-09
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-08
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 540I. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED, THE TRACTION DID NOT HOLD OR CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGE ALSO FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN THE ABS FAILED. THE BMW MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HIS WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
2010-01-26
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-10
- VIN: WBADN6347YG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 540I. SHE STATED THAT THE BATTERY CONTINUED TO FAIL ON THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED SEVERAL UNDISCLOSED ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NINE TIMES TO CORRECT THE FAULTY BATTERY ISSUE, TO NO AVAIL. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IDLE THE FRONTAL DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHICH CAUSED ALL OF THE WINDOWS TO SHATTER. NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE SINCE THE BATTERY WAS PURCHASED FROM A THIRD PARTY. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 36,206.
2008-10-27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-10
- VIN: WBADN6347YG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 540I. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 70 MPH, THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IN THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND CALLED THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE INSURANCE COMPANY REFUSED TO PAY FOR ANY DAMAGE BECAUSE THERE WERE NO FLAMES. AN ANALYSIS WAS PERFORMED BY BMW. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 149,900. UPDATED 12/11/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/11/08
2008-04-04
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-28
- VIN: WBADN5343YG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE A 2000 BMW 540I (E39). MY CAR WAS IN A PRISTINE CONDITION, AND ALL OF SUDDEN, THE "ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG" MESSAGE CAME UP, AND THE CAR SHUTDOWN. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP, AND I WAS TOLD THE THERMOSTAT WAS BURNED BADLY, CAUSING THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AND DME BURNED AS WELL. I BELIEVE THIS IS A BIG SAFETY CONCERN FOR THOSE THAT OWN THIS VEHICLE. I WAS QUOTED $3500 TO FIX THIS ISSUE, AND CURRENTLY IT'S BEING REPAIRED AT BMW SEATTLE. *TR
2007-11-26
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-23
- VIN: WBADN5343YG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I WAS MOVING MY CAR IN ORDER TO PARK IT SOMEWHERE ELSE. THE CAR STARTED THEN COMPLETE FAILURE. THE CAR CUT OFF, NO POWER BRAKES, NO POWER STEERING. I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKES VERY HARD TO GET STOPPAGE. THE THERMOSTAT SHORTED OUT AND BURNED OUT THE MAIN COMPUTER. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE MAIN COMPUTER WAS REPLACED, THE WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNED OUT AND SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRONIC PARTS WERE REPLACED. THE ALUMINUM THERMOSTAT HOUSING WAS MELTED AND WAS REPLACED! TOTAL OF OVER $5,000 WAS REQUIRED TO FIX. IF A FUSE HAD BEEN THERE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A COUPLE OF HUNDRED DOLLARS AND IF THIS HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD AS SPEED IT COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *TR
2005-03-10
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-08
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH DRIVER'S AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
2005-03-10
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-06
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH DRIVERS AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
2004-05-20
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-20
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
2003-11-13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-13
- VIN: WBADN5348YG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR FAILURE (BLOCKED). *LA
2003-11-11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-01
- VIN: WBADN5344YG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR FAILURE. *AK
2003-10-28
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-18
- VIN: WBADN5343YG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WATER PUMP FAILURE.THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT THAT INVOLVES A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF THE E39 540I BMW. THE FAILURE OF THE PUMP IS KNOWN TO HAPPEN BETWEEN 5000-60000 MILES AND CAN PUT THE DRIVER IN DANGER AND CAUSE UNNECESSARY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS TO BE INCURRED ON A CAR OF THIS CALIBER. THE WATER PUMP FAILURE IN MY CASE DESTROYED THE MAIN DRIVE BELT LEAVING ME WITH OUT POWER STEERING, BRAKES, ALTERNATOR ETC. E39 OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAULTY DESIGN AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WATER PUMP AND COOLING SYSTEM. *AK
2003-07-29
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-15
- VIN: WBADN5344YG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BMW 2000 540I, V8, FAILURE (CRACKED, LOSS OF COOLANT) OF UPPER RADIATOR HOSE CONNECTOR. I HAD 3 1/2 YRS/45,000 MILES ON THE CAR. PLASTIC COMPONENT WIDELY KNOWN AMONG OWNERS TO BE PRONE TO FAILURE. THANKS TO THEIR ADVICE ON WARNING SIGNS, I WAS ABLE TO STOP UNDER CONTROL AND GET REPAIR WITHOUT MAJOR INCIDENT; OTHER UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS HAVE BEEN, AND WILL BE, LESS FORTUNATE. TO BMW'S CREDIT, THEY REPLACED MY RADIATOR UNDER WARRANTY. BUT THIS DOES NOT EXCUSE A KNOWN DESIGN DEFICIENCY.*AK
2000 Bmw 540i recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2000 Bmw 540i.
2019-01-14
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2000-02-17
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
- Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2000 Bmw 540i problems:
2000 BMW 540i reliability
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1615910-2000-BMW-540i-reliability
Mar 6, 2011 ... no these cars are not reliable. are these a nightmare to maintain? well to the average joe, yes. next you may get 2 - 3 disagreeing with me but ...
What do I need to know about the BMW E39 540i V8?| Grassroots ...
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-the-bmw-e39-540i-v8/183957/page1/
I've never owned one, but I've done my research because I think they're fun cars. Timing chain problems are by far the biggest concern. Issues ...
common problems for 540i E39
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?425831-common-problems-for-540i-E39
Oct 10, 2005 ... radiator and expansion tank leaked, thermostat got stuck closed. clutch pedal was squicking so they changed the bearing. Bentley repair manual ...
E-39 540I common problems | BimmerFest BMW Forum
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/e-39-540i-common-problems.670733/
Jan 17, 2013 ... E-39 540I common problems · Behr cooling system leaking · Plastic DISA valve breaking & destroying the engine · Cluster pixel tape lifting · MID ...
e39 540i what are they like and whats the common faults ? - Page 1 ...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=72&t=1112862
Feb 15, 2012 ... Common issues around the 100k mark are bushes which begin to crack and will impact on steering/braking. Sensors can also start to show their age ...
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